6 Key Benefits of Switching to Electric Forklifts

In recent years, the logistics and warehousing industry has been making the shift toward clean and green initiatives, adopting sustainable practices in its operations. When it comes to material handling needs, the age-old internal combustion (IC) forklifts are now being replaced with electric forklifts — in an attempt to reduce carbon footprint and greenhouse emissions.

In fact, research suggests that electric forklifts now account for 70% of all forklifts purchased in the United States. And who can blame them? Battery-powered lift trucks not only offer a promising efficiency ratio but also reflect lower maintenance costs over time, making them a cost-effective alternative to IC forklifts. Let’s look at the reasons why shifting to an electric forklift is a great decision for both the environment and your operations.

1. Reduced Emissions

Propane-powered forklifts and common internal combustion (IC) engines release large amounts of harmful gasses into the air, including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and even carbon dioxide. Such engines also release volatile organic compounds that contribute to ozone formation, leading to climate change and temperature rise.

In contrast, electric forklifts significantly reduce your carbon footprint and contribute positively towards sustainability, thanks to their zero-emissions working mechanism. Besides the environment, these lift trucks are also beneficial for the health of the operator. This is because they release no toxic gases or exhaust fumes that may linger in the enclosed region.

2. Energy Efficiency

Since electric forklifts use lead-acid or lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, they’re far more energy-efficient than IC engines. The thing with electric motors is that they convert a large amount of chemical energy stored in batteries into useful work, which helps reduce the environmental footprint of your unit.

As such, electric forklifts powered by lithium batteries can save up to 80% in energy costs over IC forklifts. For example, if an electric forklift uses $3 of electricity per day, it would consume %15 worth of gasoline — considering that the operational task and time remain constant.

3. Less Noise, More Safety

In industrial settings, noise pollution not only leads to auditory discomfort but also impacts negatively on worker health and workplace safety. This is what electric forklifts help with. Running much quieter than combustion engines, these lift trucks maintain safer, healthier operations. Now you’ll hear moving vehicles, alarms, and emergency alerts more easily!

More specifically, electric forklifts produce a noise level of around 60 to 70 decibels, which is the same as everyday conversation or background music. In contrast, the average noise level produced by IC forklifts hovers between 80 to 90 decibels, depending on the condition of the engine.

4. Increased Effectiveness

Besides being safer and more energy efficient, electric forklifts amp up the effectiveness of your warehousing unit. With high torque and greater acceleration, these lift trucks can reverse direction quickly, making them valuable for warehouse aisles and small production units. Thanks to their compact turning radius, electric forklifts get more heavy lifting done in less time.

5. Ergonomic, Comfortable Design

If you want your operators to feel confident and productive at work, there are three factors you need to take care of: safety, health, and comfort. Electric forklifts are made with this vision in mind, making them a promising option for those who value worker well-being and safety. Here are a few features electric forklifts have to improve the driving experience of your employees:

● Smooth-running electric motors help reduce vibrations

● Fully electric power steering systems for more responsive handling

● Hydraulic controls for minimum spring force; decreasing hand and arm fatigue

● Adjustable armrests to allow free movement and proper posture

● Ergonomically positioned pedals that cater to different heights and foot sizes

● Floating steering wheels with adjustable rotation angle and height

Electric forklift models generally feature high-quality advanced braking systems that are better for the health and safety of your workers. Plus, they feature vibration-dampening mechanisms, which minimize body aches arising from prolonged exposure. When combined, these features reflect a happier, more productive workforce.

6. Lower Operating Costs

Electric forklifts promise huge cost savings and a high return on investment (ROI) in the long run, thanks to their lower fuel and maintenance costs. While the initial capital required for a battery-powered lift truck may be high, the overtime savings justify this cost (think: no ventilation equipment, time-taking refills, or high fuel costs).

Since they are battery-powered, electric forklifts contain fewer components, unlike traditional lift trucks which contain a cooling system, radiator, transmission, and fuel system. So fewer the moving components, the lesser the chance of equipment wear and tear, leading to lower operating costs. With an electric forklift, you don’t need regular tune-ups or oil changes, either.

Conclusion

Electric forklifts are a promising choice for logistic units looking to improve efficiency and cut costs, all while upholding their sustainability goals. By shifting to these more green, ergonomic lift trucks, you can promote a safe working environment for your operators, leading to boosted morale and productivity levels.

As the need for sustainable, high-performance warehousing equipment grows, choosing the right provider becomes even more complicated. This is where Meenyon steps in — an industry-thought in the production, development, and service of electric storage devices. Specializing as an OEM supplier for Japanese and German manufacturers, the company sources and delivers the best electric solutions. So, invest in a greener planet and cost-effective operations today!